Computing Concepts for
Information Technology

Most people know how to use a computer, and many can write computer programs (code), but how does the computer turn that code into all the wonderful things it can do? Computing Concepts for Information Technology explains, in approachable language, how computers really work, including how images, sounds, and video are represented by numbers and how chips with millions of transistors process those numbers.

Step into the universe of computing, where every byte, transistor, and algorithm shapes our modern existence. This comprehensive guide takes you beyond the basics, unraveling the core components and principles that power today’s technology from the earliest concepts of information representation to the complex architecture of modern CPUs and network systems.

Imagine understanding the language that computers speak, the logic gates that govern their decisions, and the memory structures that hold vast oceans of data. Whether you’re a curious learner or aspiring professional, this book offers a clear, methodical journey through fundamental topics such as binary numbers and arithmetic, digital logic, input/output frameworks, and software development. Discover how the seemingly abstract world of Boolean algebra and the von Neumann architecture transforms into the devices we rely on daily.

Delve into the evolution of computing, tracing the historical milestones that set the stage for the internet and cutting-edge processors. Gain insight into critical challenges like information security and cryptography, and see how data travels across networks with precision and safety. With each chapter, complex subjects become accessible, fuelled by practical explanations and real-world examples.

Take control of your understanding and deepen your grasp of how the digital realm operates beneath the surface. This book is more than just a textbook—it’s a gateway to mastering the fundamental building blocks of computing, empowering you to confidently engage with technology and contribute innovatively to its future.

Computing Concepts for Information Technology tells a story that begins in the 19th century and shows that the Internet, phones, tablets, and laptops that are so much a part of our lives did not spring fully formed from a Silicon Valley campus. On the inside, computers are all about numbers, and the story continues with numbers and number systems. It reveals the mysteries of binary numbers and explains why computers use a number system different from the one we use every day. One of the reviewers of the book remarked that students of computing should know enough about the digital logic that makes computers work to believe that what’s inside is not little green Martians with calculators, and the book provides a thorough explanation.

The beginning of the 21st century is an exciting time for those who make, use, and study computers and computer systems, and this book provides the basis for keeping up with the changes that are taking place right now.

Computing Concepts for Information Technology is suitable for people with no prior study of computer systems, although it may be helpful to have experience with a high-level programming language such as Java or Python.